Studies of the dynamics of stable relativistic/ponderomotive channel formation demonstrate that the use of an appropriate longitudinal gradient in the electron density can significantly enhance the efficiency of the power compression. A unidirectional stable zone locking rule, which allows the operating point of the system to enter the region of stable channelled propagation, but blocks departures from it, is established. These characteristics are extremely favourable for kilovolt x-ray amplification, charged-particle acceleration and the initiation of nuclear reactions.